Celebrating 40 years of food technology

The Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) is holding its 40th Anniversary AIFST Convention from 24-27 June at the Melbourne Convention Centre.

"This year's convention will be a celebration of the institute's 40-year history and will focus on our theme: Celebrating 40 years with 20/20 vision," said Ken Grice, AIFST president.

"2007 marks a significant milestone in the AIFST's history. The institute was founded in 1967 by a small group of dedicated food scientists and technologists and has grown to become Australia's largest association of professionals working in the food and allied industries, government and academia.

"At this year's convention, we will look retrospectively at where food science has taken us and hear from a wide range of speakers about their vision of what lies ahead."

The convention comprises more than 70 speakers covering topics such as: food safety; packaging; sustainability; allergen management; advances in dairy research; meat industry innovations; sensory characteristics in branding; functional foods; nutrition; food fortification; and future directions in food technology.

An exhibition featuring around 50 exhibitors will be held concurrently on level three of the Melbourne Convention Centre.

Products and services on show will include ingredients and additives, food standards, scientific equipment, testing equipment, technical software, measuring instruments, industry recruiters, patent and trademark attorneys, and government.

A program overview and further information can be found at the AIFST website: http://www.aifst.asn.au/annualconvention/.